Drew Fischer named referee for Croatia v Ghana's decisive World Cup 2026 Group L clash

Canadian referee Drew Fischer will take charge of Croatia v Ghana at Philadelphia Stadium, with both nations able to secure automatic progression from World Cup 2026 Group L in what promises to be a high-stakes finale.

A point will be enough for Ghana to reach the knockout stage for the first time since 2010, while victory could also see the Black Stars top the group if they better England’s result against Panama. Croatia, meanwhile, need a positive result to guarantee their own place in the Round of 32.

Fischer brings considerable experience to the assignment, having officiated 324 professional matches across a range of prestigious competitions. He took charge of last year’s MLS Cup final and has also refereed at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He previously served as a Video Assistant Referee at the 2022 World Cup before stepping up to a full refereeing role at this tournament.

The 45-year-old made his World Cup refereeing debut in France’s 3-0 win over Iraq in Group I, issuing just one yellow card in a relatively controlled performance. Across his career in MLS, Fischer has averaged just over three bookings per game, with 1,073 yellow cards and 35 red cards from his professional matches to date.

Fischer was one of only three Canadian referees elevated to FIFA’s approved list of match officials when he earned his promotion in 2015, making him something of a pioneer for Canadian officiating on the world stage. Away from football, he holds a physics degree from the University of Calgary.

He will be assisted by fellow Canadians Micheal Barwegen and Lyes Arfa, while Mexican official Guillermo Pacheco has been assigned to VAR duties. Brazilian Rodolph Toski will serve as Assistant Video Assistant Referee for the Philadelphia showdown.